Low testosterone levels can affect up to 40% of men. Out of that group – almost 20% of men from the ages of 15 to 39 could have testosterone deficiencies.
The changing environment, lack of exercise, and increasing obesity rates could all be potential causes of declining testosterone levels. Clinics offer testosterone replacement therapy for men who fall under this category.
But what exactly is the maximum dosage testosterone replacement therapy? Before you dive headfirst into starting your treatment, there are a few things to know about testosterone therapy.
If you have an interest in learning more about this type of therapy, then keep reading on.
Signs of Low Testosterone Levels
At its core – testosterone is a sex hormone. In men, it plays a large role in muscle mass, body fat, sex drive, bone mass, sperm, and red blood cell production.
Testosterone affects women, too, although the production numbers aren’t nearly as high as they are with men. However, in women, small amounts of testosterone convert into forms of estrogen, which is the main sex hormone in females.
It is common to have a slow decline in testosterone levels as men begin aging. Sometimes, these levels become abnormally low and lead to negative physical symptoms. Some of the signs of low testosterone levels include:
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Balding
- High fatigue levels
- Decreased muscle mass
- Decreased bone mass
- Higher fat levels
- Increased irritability or depression
- Impaired memory
- Higher rates of anemia
- Decreased size in testicles
- Lower semen volume
Many of these problems can have other factors contributing to them. For example, diabetes and high cholesterol can also lead to erectile dysfunction.
Testosterone Replacement Benefits
Testosterone levels in men typically peak during teenage years and as young adults. After 30, these levels decrease on average by 1% each year.
The American Urological Association released an average range that testosterone levels should be at. At a minimum, men should have 300 nanograms per deciliter of testosterone.
If a man tests below that number, then he may qualify for testosterone replacement. Receiving testosterone replacement therapy can benefit one’s physical and emotional health.
Testing for testosterone levels typically occurs in the morning. This is when your levels are usually the highest. Physicians complete this test through a simple blood draw.
If you test low on your levels, you can begin receiving treatment. Usually, this is through injections, patches, or sometimes topical gels. Some of the testosterone replacement benefits include:
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased libido
- Decreased mood swings
All of the positive results from testosterone replacement can help you feel and perform better.
Maximum Dosage Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Oftentimes, patients ask their physician what the testosterone replacement dosage is. There are some negative consequences of receiving too much of a good thing.
Testosterone injections are one of the most common ways this hormone is given. Injections do require a bit more expertise and training on giving it correctly. However, there are more risks, complications, and side effects of other types of testosterone treatment.
Testosterone cypionate is the common form of injectable testosterone. Its brand name is Depo-Testosterone and it comes as a self-injectable solution. Your doctor can also administer it.
Ultimately, testosterone cypionate works at treating hypogonadism. This is the technical term for your testicles not producing enough testosterone.
The maximum testosterone dosage for teens and adults is typically 400 mg every two weeks. Normally, your doctor won’t administer the maximum dosage right away. It can range from 50 mg to 400 mg every two to four weeks.
Studies on Testosterone Replacement
One study looked at some of the common reasons that physicians use testosterone replacement therapy. One of the main diagnoses where testosterone injections can be beneficial is hypogonadism.
There are three main types of hypogonadism that result in decreased testosterone levels. These include:
- Primary
- Secondary
- Mixed
Primary hypogonadism results from a dysfunction in the testes. This could be caused by abnormal chromosomes, hypothyroidism, or even some forms of chemotherapy.
Secondary hypogonadism is a dysfunction in the brain. Typically, the regions affected by this are the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus. These dysfunctions normally occur from brain trauma, tumors, or opioid abuse.
However, some genetic abnormalities can result in secondary hypogonadism. Mixed hypogonadism results from age, cancer, COPD, HIV/AIDS, or obesity.
In this study, the normal range for testosterone levels was between 300 ng/dL to 1,000 dg/dL. In a review of over 45 studies, approximately 23 of them found that testosterone replacement benefitted sexual function in males.
Some studies even found that testosterone replacement shows some benefit for men with cognition deficits or Alzheimer’s disease. Men’s mood was also positively impacted based on surveys with men who had HIV/AIDs or hypogonadism.
Testosterone Effects Timeline
Another important question is when can you start seeing results from testosterone replacement? It largely varies on the dosage.
Depo-testosterone comes in 100 mg to 200 mg solutions. As mentioned earlier, the maximum dosage for two to four weeks is approximately 400 mg.
On average, it can take anywhere from three to six months before you start seeing the positive results of testosterone therapy. In some cases, you might start noticing improvements beforehand – maybe in as little as less than a month.
Be sure you continue to follow up with your medical provider on any side effects or concerns that you have.
Start Seeing Results
Testosterone is a critical hormone that helps both men and women maintain homeostasis. If you have been feeling sluggish or irritable and have noticed a decrease in muscle mass or libido, then you might have lower than normal testosterone levels.
Your physician can walk you through the maximum dosage testosterone replacement therapy and what is necessary for your body. Contact us today for a testosterone treatment consultation and get back to living your life.
